Register for the First Heroes Run

Brookhaven College will host a day of family fun, food and entertainment on Saturday, April 14, when "Heroes Run – First In, Last Out" comes to the campus.

This family day event honors both veterans and first responders. Members of the general public are invited to participate. Vendors and representatives from the district's colleges will be on hand, and Dallas County Community College District police officers will participate that day, too.

A first-time event for DCCCD, "Heroes Run," encourages students to get involved in their colleges' programs and services.

The event kicks off at 9 a.m. with a 5K run. An obstacle course for various age groups – including adults, youngsters and pre-teens and teens – also will be available. The cost to participate in both the 5K run and obstacle course is $35 until April 13. Individuals who choose to pay the day of the event (April 14) will be charged $45. An all-day access pass for the obstacle course is $10.

"The money raised will be used to fill food pantries and help meet the needs of our DCCCD students so that they can be a little more stable throughout the year," said Cpl. Vikki Ethington, a DCCCD police officer who is assigned to Brookhaven College; she is organizing the event.

Brookhaven, Cedar Valley, Richland and Mountain View colleges support food banks on campus to assist food-insecure students. North Lake's Blazer Store provides a place where students can obtain food, clothing and other items. Other DCCCD colleges help students who struggle with food insecurity, too, officials said.

"We're excited to host the inaugural 'Heroes Run,'" said DCCCD Police Chief Lauretta Hill. "It promotes community engagement and camaraderie among our first responders. We're urging everyone to come out and join us."

"Heroes Run – First In, Last Out" will become an annual event and will rotate among all seven DCCCD colleges. This year's sponsor is Sam Pack Auto Group.